ἀπορέω (G639) — Greek Lexicon

ἀπορέω

aporéō

G639 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To be without resources or means to proceed, to be at a loss; to experience perplexity or confusion such that one does not know what to do. In various contexts, this can indicate mental, emotional, or situational perplexity, bewilderment, or a state of being unable to find a way forward. Secondary senses may include (in passive or intransitive forms) being in distress, uncertainty, or deep doubt.

Semantic Range

to be at a loss, to be perplexed, to be without resources, to be in doubt, to experience confusion or distress, to be in deep uncertainty

Root / Etymology

From the alpha privative (ἀ-, expressing negation or lack) and the stem πορε- of πορεύομαι (“to go, travel, proceed”), literally 'to have no way (to go),' 'to be without a path.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀπορέω appears as early as the 5th century BCE, denoting a state of perplexity, helplessness, or embarrassment due to a lack of resources or a way forward (see Herodotus, Euripides). In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term retains this core sense, often indicating intellectual or emotional confusion (cf. Josephus, Philo, LXX, NT). In the Septuagint, it often renders Hebrew terms for distress or perplexity, capturing moments of crisis or being at a loss (e.g., Judges 4:13). In the New Testament (e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:8), it expresses inner perplexity rather than simple doubt, denoting bewilderment or deep uncertainty rather than mere disbelief. English translations like 'to be in doubt' or 'to be perplexed' partially capture the word's sense but may not express its full weight of powerlessness or being without options. Related but more general terms include διαπορέω (to be greatly perplexed).

Translation Consistency

primary "perplex" 2 occurrences

ἀπορέω primarily describes a state of mental or situational confusion — being at a loss or unsure what to do. 'Perplex' is a natural, single-word English verb that captures that core sense (perplexed, at a loss, bewildered) and can be consistently inflected across forms. It fits the typical usage better than overly general 'be' or narrower alternatives like 'doubt' or 'hesitate.'

Alternatives (4 occurrences):

"loss" (4x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of Α (as a negative particle) and the base of πορεύομαι; to have no way out, i.e. be at a loss (mentally):-- (stand in) doubt, be perplexed.

Root Family

ἀπορέω (aporeō) — to lack a way, to be at a loss, to be perplexed

Root ἀ-πορ- to lack a way, to be at a loss, to be perplexed

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G639-03`	ἀπορούμενοι	aporoumenoi	`V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL`	at a loss	being at a loss	being at a loss	2
`G639-01`	ἀπορεῖσθαι	aporeisthai	`V PRS MID INF`	they were perplexed	to be at a loss	to be at a loss	1
`G639-02`	ἀποροῦμαι	aporoumai	`V PRS MID IND 1P SG`	I am perplexed	I was at a loss	I am perplexed	1
`G639-04`	ἀπορούμενος	aporoumenos	`V PRS MID PTCP NOM M SG`	being perplexed	being without a way	being perplexed	1
`G639-05`	ἠπόρει	eporei	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	was-perplexed	was at a loss	was at a loss	1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G639-05`	Mark 6:20	ἠπόρει	eporei	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	was-perplexed	was at a loss	was at a loss
`G639-01`	Luke 24:4	ἀπορεῖσθαι	aporeisthai	`V PRS MID INF`	they were perplexed	to be at a loss	to be at a loss
`G639-03`	John 13:22	ἀπορούμενοι	aporoumenoi	`V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL`	at a loss	being at a loss	being at a loss
`G639-04`	Acts 25:20	ἀπορούμενος	aporoumenos	`V PRS MID PTCP NOM M SG`	being perplexed	being without a way	being perplexed
`G639-03`	2 Corinthians 4:8	ἀπορούμενοι	aporoumenoi	`V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL`	perplexed	being at a loss	being at a loss
`G639-02`	Galatians 4:20	ἀποροῦμαι	aporoumai	`V PRS MID IND 1P SG`	I am perplexed	I was at a loss	I am perplexed

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